La Bella

In the 17th century, the small town of Salle in the Abruzzi region of Italy was considered one of the string centers in Europe. Local church records reveal that the most important string manufacturing families were Berti, Dorazio, Ruffini and MARI. Famous throughout Europe for fabricating the finest gut strings for lutes, guitars and violins, their craft also included constructing some of the earliest strings for wire strung instruments.
Brothers Emilio and Olinto Mari left the family business to seek new opportunities in America. They settled in New York City where they produced both gut and steel strings in their small apartment in lower Manhattan. As the word spread among musicians in the area, so did the popularity of their product. A local music store grew very fond of the high quality hand made strings the two brothers produced, and made them an offer to help expand. Brothers Emilio & Olinto Mari move to New York City and quickly became known for their high-quality hand-made strings. Strings are manufactured under brands La Preferita, Sweetone, Criterion & New-Tone. The first factory opened in the year 1914 on 170 Fifth Avenue.
In 1981, La Bella moves its factory to Newburgh, New York, where it currently stands as the sole manufacturing site of each and every La Bella music string.